Heart of Germany: Frankfurt to Frankfurt

Let the experts do the driving as you take a deep-dive into the history of Germany’s southern half. On this journey from Frankfurt to Nuremberg, you’ll stop off at famous historical sites and explore famous medieval cities, including Heidelberg, Strasbourg, Munich, and Rothenburg.

This 12-day German vacation takes you through the heart of the nation to explore many of its cities, including Frankfurt, Munich, Nuremberg.

Your trip to Germany begins in Frankfurt, the nation’s business capital and international airport hub. While most people know the city for its airport, which services over 60 million passengers a year, there is plenty to recommend the city itself. Stroll the Altstadt to see the half-timbered houses and head to the Old Opera House, which was reconstructed in the 1980s. After getting your bearings, head to Rudesheim to tour its historical centre before boarding a cruise ship to journey through the picturesque Lorelei Valley along the Rhine and enjoy a wine tasting while onboard. The next day, journey to Heidelberg, the country’s oldest university town and home to one of the largest pedestrian areas in all of Germany. Tour the old town to admire the medieval architecture before continuing to Baden-Baden, the former hotbed of European royalty that’s known for its hot springs, and finally, Freiburg, where you’ll see the gorgeous church tower.

Cross the Rhine River into France and visit Colmar and Strasbourg in the Franco-German region of Alsace. Head on a sightseeing tour through Strasbourg and enjoy a traditional Alsatian lunch before returning to Germany. From Freidburg, begin a journey through the Black Forest, the enchanting landscape of evergreen trees and charming villages. Head for the island of Lindau on picturesque Lake Constance to enjoy breathtaking views of the Alps before following the alpine road to Fussen. Fussen is your gateway to the fairy tale castles of Ludwig II, the Swan King of Bavaria who ruled in the 19th century. First stop is Neuschwanstein Castle, the gorgeous fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. Continue to Oberammergau, known for its Passion Play, and the Weiskirche Church before reaching Linderhof Castle, the smallest of Ludwig’s castles.

Return to Fussen and head on to Munich, the capital of Bavaria and Germany’s third-largest city. Munich is a very walkable city with a small-town atmosphere despite its size of 1.3 million people. Tour the medieval square of Marienplatz to get a taste of the cultural heritage and see the famous clock tower and the Neues Rathaus. While in Munich, take an excursion to Berchtesgaden, an alpine village at the foot of Mt. Watzmann, and Lake Konigssee, where you can enjoy a boat ride across the gorgeous lake or ascend to the infamous Eagle’s Nest to learn about its World War II history.

From Munich, head to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of the oldest cities in Germany and tour its old medieval town. Continue to Nuremberg, the second-largest city and the centre of so much of Germany’s history. Tour its city centre to see the collection of historical landmarks, including Nuremberg Castle and the Gothic Frauenkirche. While in Nuremberg, head on day trips to Bamberg, famous for its beer, Bayreuth, where you’ll see the most beautiful Baroque Theatre in Europe, and Wurzberg, known for the Residenz Palace.

At the end of your time in Nuremberg, return to Frankfurt, stopping at Mespelbrunn Castle along the way. In Frankfurt, connect to the airport to continue your onward journey.

Frankfurt

Arrival at Frankfurt airport and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to spend at your leisure. Frankfurt is the financial and commercial heart of Germany, a city full of fascinating contrasts between modern development and historic landmarks. At 7 pm, you meet your guide at the welcome dinner at the hotel.

Hotel Movenpick Frankfurt City

Discover Frankfurt from the comfort of our 4 star hotel in the city centre. Mövenpick Hotel Frankfurt City is ideally located next to the trade fairground with easy access to the charming old city of Frankfurt. So whether you are visiting for business or leisure …

Discover Frankfurt from the comfort of our 4 star hotel in the city centre. Mövenpick Hotel Frankfurt City is ideally located next to the trade fairground with easy access to the charming old city of Frankfurt. So whether you are visiting for business or leisure Mövenpick Hotel Frankfurt City is the perfect choice.

Facilities

24 Hour Reception

Air Conditioning

Bar/Lounge

Concierge

Conference Facilities

Daily Housekeeping

Dry Cleaning

Fitness Centre

Free WiFi

Laundry Service

Lift/elevator

Restaurant

Photo gallery

Frankfurt - Rudesheim - St. Goar - Frankfurt

After breakfast you'll travel to Rudesheim. Short tour of the city's historic center. Next, you'll board a ship and sail along the most picturesque stretch of the Rhine: the Lorelei valley. During the cruise, you'll enjoy a wine tasting.

The group will disembark in St. Goar and return to Frankfurt.

Meal Plan

Breakfast

Day3

Frankfurt - Heidelberg - Baden-Baden - Freiburg

In the morning, you'll travel to Heidelberg to visit the famous castle, followed by a tour of the historic city center. Idyllically located on the shores of the Neckar River, Heidelberg is Germany's oldest university town and one of the most popular destinations in the country. You'll travel to Baden-Baden, the former summer residence of the European nobility and worldwide known for its thermal baths. Then continue the tour to lovely Freiburg, famous for its beautiful church tower.

Central Hotel Freiburg

This traditional hotel, set at the edge of the Black Forest, lies 2 km from Schlossberg, a 10-minute walk from Augustiner Museum and a 4-minute walk from Tennenbacher Straße tram station. The Central Hotel has 48 rooms - and bathrooms - which have all been …

This traditional hotel, set at the edge of the Black Forest, lies 2 km from Schlossberg, a 10-minute walk from Augustiner Museum and a 4-minute walk from Tennenbacher Straße tram station.

The Central Hotel has 48 rooms - and bathrooms - which have all been renovated recently. All our rooms have a stylish-comfortable design.

All our rooms have shower and WC, flatscreen-SAT-TV, telephone and wireless internet connection, minibar, tea and coffee making facility, safe, hair dryer and air conditioning.

Facilities

Air Conditioning

Bar

Parking

WiFi

Photo gallery

Freiburg - Colmar - Strasbourg - Freiburg

The Rhine River forms the natural border between Germany and France. After crossing the river, you'll arrive in Colmar. This city is known for its outstanding wines and architectural heritage that reflect the long history of this region and the German and French influences.

Enjoy a typical Alsatian Lunch. After that you'll continue to Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace. Here, you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city. Being the base of several European institutions, Strasbourg is also a symbolic capital of Europe. In the afternoon you'll return to Freiburg.

Meal Plan

Breakfast and Lunch

Day5

Freiburg - Lindau - Fussen

After breakfast, you'll drive to the Black Forest and enjoy a short presentation on the cuckoo clock production. You'll continue to a small traditional Black Forest farm where you have a cheese tasting and you'll see the real Black Forest. After that, the group will continue the tour to the small island of Lindau in Lake Constance, which offers spectacular views of the Alps. Depending on weather conditions, you will take the Alpine road from Lindau to Oberstaufen and Immenstadt to your final destination of the day, Fussen, the southernmost point on your tour of romantic Germany.

Hotel Hirsch Fussen

The Hotel Hirsch Fussen, built in the "Art Nouveau" style, has been family run for four generations and combines elegantly modern comfort and the Bavarian ambience. You will be enchanted by the charm of this hotel, which emanates from the romantically decorated and lovingly furnished …

The Hotel Hirsch Fussen, built in the "Art Nouveau" style, has been family run for four generations and combines elegantly modern comfort and the Bavarian ambience. You will be enchanted by the charm of this hotel, which emanates from the romantically decorated and lovingly furnished rooms as well as from the décor of the restaurant. Each of the "motif rooms", being distinctively decorated, is dedicated to a special theme of our history or of the surroundings.

Facilities

Conference Facilities

Parking

Restaurant

Photo gallery

Neuschwanstein - Wieskirche - Oberammergau - Linderhof - Fussen

You'll start the day with a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, built by Ludwig II, the notorious "Mad King". At midday, you'll travel to Oberammergau, famous for its Passion Play and lovely crafts. Along the way, you'll visit the Wieskirche Church and take a brief stop at the Ettal Benedictine Abbey before continuing the tour to visit Linderhof Castle. This is one of the three castles built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and the only one where the king actually lived for a significant amount of time. Return to Fussen.

Meal Plan

Breakfast

Day7

Fussen - Munich

In the morning, you'll travel to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. You'll visit the city's main attractions, concluding the tour at the Marienplatz square with its famous clock tower. Munich, the capital of the state of Bavaria is famous for its Oktoberfest, which is annually celebrated in September.

The afternoon is free to explore at your leisure. In the evening, you'll enjoy a traditional Bavarian dinner.

Holiday Inn Munich City Centre

Holiday Inn Munich - City Centre hotel offers four-star facilities in the heart of Munich. From the Rosenheimer Platz S-Bahn station, in the same building complex, you can reach Munich Airport in 45 minutes. There is public underground parking and the city centre is a …

Holiday Inn Munich - City Centre hotel offers four-star facilities in the heart of Munich. From the Rosenheimer Platz S-Bahn station, in the same building complex, you can reach Munich Airport in 45 minutes. There is public underground parking and the city centre is a short walk away. The hotel has one of the largest meeting centres in southern Germany.

Facilities

ATM

Business Centre

Fitness Facilities

Indoor Pool

Internet Access

Laundry Service

Safety Deposit Box

Photo gallery

Munich - Berchtesgaden - Munich

After breakfast, you'll start your day excursion to Berchtesgaden. Berchtesgaden is a typical traditional Alpine village at the foot of Mount Watzmann. The region's attractions include the salt mines, Lake Königssee and Obersalzberg with the Eagle's Nest, once the site of Hitler's mountain retreat. After a visit to the infamous Eagle's Nest (depending on the weather conditions), you'll have time to take a boat tour on Lake Königssee (not included).

In the afternoon, you'll return to Munich.

Meal Plan

Breakfast

Day9

Munich - Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Nuremberg

In the morning, you'll travel to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of the oldest and most beautifulcities in romantic Germany. You will be treated to a sightseeing tour of this lovely medieval town concluding with a Schneeballen (snow ball) tasting, a pastry considered the signature dish of Rothenburg.

Next, you'll travel to Nuremberg. You'll visit Nuremberg's historic city center and learn more about its impressive history with a tour of the well-preserved castle, Gothic churches, romantic houses and peaceful squares.

Hotel Park Plaza

Park Plaza Nuremberg lies in an iconic building that was formerly home to the Bavarian American Hotel. Located near the Old Town district, our contemporary accommodation offers an impressive list of services, including free Wi-Fi, an advanced fitness centre, a sauna and complimentary business services. …

Park Plaza Nuremberg lies in an iconic building that was formerly home to the Bavarian American Hotel. Located near the Old Town district, our contemporary accommodation offers an impressive list of services, including free Wi-Fi, an advanced fitness centre, a sauna and complimentary business services. If you feel like exploring the area, ask our front office team for helpful tips on where to go.

You can enjoy dinner on site at BA Beef Club, which serves premium steaks and flavourful fish dishes. The inviting bar provides a great place to unwind after a busy day with fine wines, local beers and contemporary cocktails. If you prefer to dine in private, our Park Plaza hotel offers 24-hour room service.

Facilities

Air Conditioning

Bar

Fitness Centre

Restaurant

Photo gallery

Nuremberg - Bamberg - Bayreuth - Nuremberg

Today, you'll visit the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Ground. Still today, the gigantic remains of buildings in the southern districts of Nuremberg are a reminder of the megalomania of the National Socialist regime. Across eleven square kilometers, a monumental backdrop was to be created for the self-staging of the Nazi Party. Today, the unfinished Congress Hall houses the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds.

Meal Plan

Breakfast

Day11

Nuremberg - Wurzburg - Frankfurt

In the morning, you'll travel from Nuremberg to Würzburg. Arrival at Würzburg, a pretty town on the banks of the Main. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city. One of the tour highlights is a visit to the Residenz Palace in Wurzburg.

On the way to Frankfurt, you'll have a brief stop at the Mespelbrunn Castle.

Hotel Movenpick Frankfurt City

Discover Frankfurt from the comfort of our 4 star hotel in the city centre. Mövenpick Hotel Frankfurt City is ideally located next to the trade fairground with easy access to the charming old city of Frankfurt. So whether you are visiting for business or leisure …

Discover Frankfurt from the comfort of our 4 star hotel in the city centre. Mövenpick Hotel Frankfurt City is ideally located next to the trade fairground with easy access to the charming old city of Frankfurt. So whether you are visiting for business or leisure Mövenpick Hotel Frankfurt City is the perfect choice.

Photo gallery

Frankfurt

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to finish the tour.

Meal Plan

Breakfast

Other Information

DEPARTURES:

2020: May 16; Jun 20; Jul 18; Aug 8; Sep 12; Oct 10

PRICE INCLUDES:

Transfer in & out in Frankfurt

11 nights accomodation

English speaking tour guide during the entire tour

Daily buffet breakfast

Visits and excursions as mentioned

PRICE EXCLUDES:

Travel insurance

International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes

Visa fees if applicable

Meals and beverages not mentioned

Gratuities

Items of a personal nature

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Prices are "from", per person, based on twin/double share accommodation. International airfare are on a variety of airlines and the departure day from North America may require departing one day earlier. Listed flights may include stops en-route and on return. Direct flights may be available at a higher cost. Listed rates include all airline and airport taxes and subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request -- please enquire.